Improved device performance of InAs∕GaAs quantum dot solar cells with GaP strain compensation layers

We report optical, electrical, and spectral response characteristics of three-stack InAs∕GaAs quantum dot solar cells with and without GaP strain compensation (SC) layers. The short circuit current density, open circuit voltage, and external quantum efficiency of these cells under air mass 1.5G at 290mW∕cm2 illumination are presented and compared with a GaAs control cell. The cells with SC layers show superior device quality, confirmed by I-V and spectral response measurements. The quantum dot solar cells show an extended photoresponse compared to the GaAs control cell. The effect of the SC layer thickness on device performance is also presented.